You are here

Rock Falls In Yosemite National Park, the Video!

Share

Published Date

July 11, 2010

Rock falls are part of life in the Yosemite Valley, as this video from Yosemite Nature Notes explains. NPS graphic of rock falls in the valley.

Despite the towering walls of granite that rim the Yosemite Valley in the heart of Yosemite National Park, the place is decidedly not static. Rather, it's a constantly evolving geologic entity that is both deadly and mesmerizing.

According to the geologists at Yosemite, "(R)ock falls are a natural and dynamic geologic process. Due to its steep, glacier-carved cliffs, Yosemite Valley experiences many rock falls each year. Historical records indicate that at least 600 rock falls have occurred in the park during the past 150 years. Massive piles of 'talus' or rock debris at the base of Yosemite Valley’s cliffs are reminders of these dramatic events. Natural processes like rock fall help to create the beautiful and changing scenery in Yosemite National Park, but they also present potential hazards."

In his latest production for Yosemite Nature Notes, videographer Steven M. Bumgardner has put together a great video that explains how, since the disappearance of glaciers about 15,000 years ago, rock falls have become the greatest erosional factor in the continued sculpting of Yosemite Valley.

For more information on rock falls in Yosemite, read this story from Traveler's archives.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Is there any more to this article? I'm not seeing anything except one short paragraph, even when I click on "read more." The paragraph reads as if there should be a video. I'd love to see it if there is.


Never mind. The whole article showed up after I clicked send my comment.

But there's something wrong with the links that wouldn't let me get to the whole article before I commented. Just so you know.


Meg,

My guess is that the download took a little while, and until it loaded there was nothing to see.

Glad it showed up!


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.